Petition: Let Kids Be Kids – Allow Safe, Supervised Riding of E-Motos, Dirt Bikes, E-Bikes, and Quads on Road Shoulders

Petition Starter: Tytus Olson, son of Elijah Olson (Amagi Vertiports LLC)

Location: Washington State (Puget Sound region)

Date: July 2026

To: Washington State Legislature, Governor Bob Ferguson, Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), Washington State Patrol, Local County/City Officials, and National Policymakers

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, kids, teens, residents, and community members across Washington State and beyond, petition for common-sense changes so children and teens can safely enjoy riding e-motos, dirt bikes, e-bikes, and quads on road shoulders or low-traffic areas without routine police stops, tickets, or impoundments.

Why This Matters (From a Kid's Perspective)

Hi, I'm Tytus Olson. I want to ride and explore like kids have for generations — building skills, staying active, and having fun outdoors. New laws (like the 2026 e-bike/moto clarifications) help address high-speed safety risks, but they also make it hard for families in Western WA to ride responsibly on quiet shoulders. We need balance: smart safety rules that let us be kids, not just restrictions.

The Problem

Recent laws, including updates effective June 2026 clarifying e-bike vs. e-moto distinctions (e.g., SSB 6110), have led to stricter enforcement. Devices exceeding e-bike limits (e.g., >20 mph on throttle only, >750W, or lacking functional pedals) are often classified as motorcycles or off-road vehicles. This triggers requirements for registration, insurance, a driver's license with endorsement (often age 16+), helmets, and more.

Kids riding on shoulders or quiet roads — common in rural/suburban areas near small airports, trails, or neighborhoods — are frequently pulled over and face vehicle impoundments. This criminalizes normal childhood play, outdoor exercise, and skill-building in a state famous for its natural beauty and active lifestyle. Parents face fines, and families lose access to affordable recreation. While off-road vehicles (ORVs) have age and supervision rules (e.g., under 16 generally needs direct adult supervision on or across highways), enforcement often lacks nuance for low-speed, responsible shoulder use.

Why Change Is Needed: Let Kids Be Kids

Physical & Mental Health — Riding builds balance, coordination, responsibility, and confidence while combating screen time and childhood obesity.
Family & Community Tradition — Generations of Washington kids have ridden in rural areas, fostering bonding and love for the outdoors.
Safety Through Education, Not Bans — Blanket enforcement drives activity underground. We support smart rules: mandatory helmets, low speed limits (e.g., ≤20-25 mph on shoulders), adult supervision for younger riders, reflective gear, and training.
Practical & Economic Sense — Many families can't afford full street-legal conversions or paid tracks. Designated shoulder access in low-traffic zones reduces conflicts and supports local businesses.
Current laws rightly prioritize safety, but they go too far in punishing low-impact, supervised fun on road edges.

Our Requests

Exemptions or Pilot Programs — Allow supervised, low-speed (<20-25 mph) riding of compliant vehicles on shoulders in designated low-traffic rural/suburban areas, with clear age-appropriate rules (helmets mandatory, adult supervision for under 16, no nighttime use).
Expand Safe Access — Permit more ORV/WATV use on low-speed roads/shoulders via local ordinances. Prioritize funding for education, training, and signage over enforcement alone.
Reform Enforcement — Issue warnings and education for first offenses involving minors on shoulders (instead of immediate impounds), limiting penalties to reckless or high-speed cases.
Task Force or Study — Convene stakeholders (parents, riders, safety experts, DOL, WSDOT) for balanced regulations, similar to existing WATV and e-bike efforts.
Parental Rights — Affirm parents’ role in supervising kids with clear, flexible guidelines rather than one-size-fits-all bans.
We believe these changes will enhance safety through education while preserving childhood freedoms. Washington can lead the way in responsible, family-friendly recreation — building on our eVTOL/vertiport innovation and outdoor heritage.

Sign this petition to show support and urge action. Share with neighbors, parent groups, schools, and local officials. Together, we can protect kids’ right to play outdoors responsibly!